Crews mopping up Three Fire

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

With the weather cooperating, firefighters spent Monday patrolling the perimeter of the fires of the Three Fire Complex. They mopped up along the north sides of the fires, finding a few smoke and hot spots near the line and extinguishing them, mainly in the higher elevations. There was no change in the size of either fire.

The south and southwest sections of the Three Fire were being cold trailed, an often tedious but critically important technique of checking the area for heat. Firefighters move slowly around the perimeter, ensuring that the burned area several hundred feet into the fire is cold to the touch. The intent is to ensure that the fire does not rekindle and escape.

With the approach of a major holiday weekend, the public is asked for help. Firefighting resources are spread thinly across the state, fighting several major fires. Any new starts would stretch these forces even further. Fire restrictions are in effect throughout the wildlands. Visitors to the lakes and forests are asked to comply with these restrictions.

Fireworks are prohibited on all state and federal lands. Don't build or maintain an open fire. Smoke only in appropriate areas. Use the ashtray. Only park where the hot exhaust will not ignite vegetation beneath the vehicle.

For more information on the Three Fire Complex and other fires burning on the Tonto National Forest, check the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

Three Fire Complex Statistics

Acres: 19,370 acres

Start date: Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Cause: Lightning

Location: 6.5 miles northwest of Roosevelt Dam

Containment: 40 percent

Projected containment: June 30, 2005

Terrain: Steep, mountainous slopes

Cost: $1,262,000

Threats: None

Fuels: Grass, desert scrub, chaparral, ponderosa pine

Resources: 7 crews, 25 engines, 9 water tender, 387 total personnel

Available air support: 6 helicopters